BA in Art History

Gabrielle Walker, 2023

Why did you choose art history as a major?

I chose art history as a major because of the social impact of creative storytelling and art. There are so many unique stories to tell about art-making, medium choice, and the diverse communities that practice art. These stories help to bridge understanding and connection between communities. Through writing and intentional research, I found a unique way to bring awareness to issues that I am passionate about. Art History also has so many practical applications for your career such as creative/ formal writing, close-looking, critique, and design-thinking. I was especially interested in exploring these topics through museum institutions and found ways to integrate my research interests with my internships.

What was your career path after graduation?

The months before graduation, I applied to a bunch of internships and full-time positions in galleries and museum spaces. I did not have a set path. I knew that I wanted to work as a researcher and curator. After graduating, I started a full-time temporary position at National Geographic as an Art Handler where I prepared autochromes for digitization. This opportunity was for a special collections project of early National Geographic photographers. I gained meaningful experience working in collections care. Later on in the summer, I was awarded the Smithsonian Katzenberger Art History Internship which I completed remotely with the Smithsonian Folklife Magazine. During that internship, I interviewed and researched Gullah Geechee sweetgrass basket makers and their connection to the lowcountry landscape. In the fall, I was offered a full-time curatorial fellowship position at the RISD Museum. In this role, I have learned about the formation of exhibitions and begun to cultivate my own curatorial practice. I gained crucial knowledge about curatorial responsibilities like acquiring new artwork and responding to research inquiries. I also worked on the seminal Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend An Inch (2024) exhibition at the RISD Museum that explored the sculptural practice of Prophet, a sculptor of Narragansett and Black American descent.

How do you think being an art history major at Mason prepared you for your career?

George Mason University’s art history program and professors fundamentally shaped my career and impacted my work as a student. My classes challenged me to think critically and consider community involvement, diverse outlooks, and unconventional themes in my research papers. In addition, we explored topics like provenance, donor relations, and exhibition politics which I interact with on a daily basis on the job. My favorite classes were Dr. DeCaroli’s The Museum class and Dr. Schulman’s Art of the United States and Art of Native North America classes. Most importantly, the art history department gives support and mentorship to students. Talk with your professors about your career goals. My professors were always willing to write me letters of recommendation and give advice about next steps after graduation. Within the department, there may also be opportunities for you to support research efforts. My senior year, I worked as a Research Assistant with Dr. Greet.

Any advice to give to current Mason students?

Apply, connect, network! At GMU, there are so many different clubs and organizations to join. Find a supportive community that relates to your passions or identity. I was heavily involved with the NAACP chapter on campus, Student Government Association, and art history department events. The proximity to Washington, DC. brings so many great opportunities for networking and internships. Scroll through the Smithsonian museum websites and see what is available. Don’t be afraid to expand your search outside of the DMV because many museums try to accommodate students with housing and travel costs, especially during the summer. The awesome thing about a major in art history is that it is so adaptable. There are careers outside of museum and cultural institution work. Check out jobs in art consulting and galleries, digitization, conservation care, interior design, and creative/ arts writing!